Chevrolet likely to launch Sail Notchback and Enjoy MPV in early 2013

Chevrolet is on a spree to spruce its Indian range either with new models like the Sail U-VA or facelifts for models like the Cruze, Captiva and the Tavera. GM's India aggressive plan will continue for a while and we can expect them to launch the Sail notchback NB and Enjoy MPV in the first quarter of 2013.

The notchback design means the boot is hinged above the rear screen. This was first seen on the Skoda Laura and then later on the Hyundai Accent Viva. It results in a stubby boot and long bonnet, much the design of a muscle car. It features many design cues like the headlamps and the grille are similar to its larger cousin the Cruze.

Like its hatchback sibling, the Sail has been designed for the Chinese market and this means that rear leg room will be quite ample. Expect the Sail sedan to be offered with same 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3 litre diesel engine that power the U-VA hatchback at the time of its launch. However, the sedan is likely to get the engines in a slightly higher state of tune to cope with the extra bulk.

The Enjoy MPV will basically be a right-hand-drive version of the Wuling CN-100 van. A product of the JV between GM, SAIC and Liuzhou Wuling Motors, the Enjoy is an 8-seater MPV and is likely to cost Rs 7-8 lakh. It will be powered by the 1.3-litre Fiat multijet engine and will compete with the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.

We expect that Chevrolet will be aiming the MPV at rapidly growing fleet market. It will join the Tavera as the second model from Chevrolet for the taxi market. This is a segment currently populated by companies like Toyota, Mahindra and Nissan which has just begun its innings with the recently launched Evalia.

Stay tuned to CarWale, we will bring the developments for both these vehicles as they happen.